Chapter 203 Shimizu Akira, Well-Versed in "Desert Island Survival for Beginners"
Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, Sudo Ken, and Ike Kanji followed the flow of the crowd onto the deck. Once they found their footing and scanned the crowd, they spotted Shimizu Akira and instinctively walked toward him.
"Shimizu! You're already here?" Sudo Ken greeted him first, raising his voice.
"Doesn't this sea air feel amazing?"
"It definitely does," Shimizu replied, picking up the thread.
"It's rare to get a chance to step outside the school gates. Rather than the smell of the sea, it feels more like the scent of freedom."
Having not left the enclosed campus for four months, the sea breeze made Shimizu's mood significantly lighter.
"Freedom, huh..." Ike Kanji rubbed his chin, his eyes suddenly lighting up as he joked, "If I jump off right now, would I be even freer?"
As soon as he finished, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, who had been quiet, added: "If it were Koenji-kun, he might actually do it."
This remark flipped a humor switch in Shimizu, making the corner of his mouth twitch.
Ayanokouji actually had a decent sense of humor. And it was true! Shimizu could already picture the scene—Koenji Rokusuke laughing heartily, chanting, "This is true freedom," as he leaped into the ocean without hesitation to swim at his leisure. Whether he could actually catch up to the departing cruise ship, however, was another matter entirely.
Shimizu noticed that one person was missing from their group—Yamauchi Haruki. Since June, Class D no longer had the so-called "Idiot Trio." Yamauchi mostly didn't hang out with these three anymore; accurately speaking, Ayanokouji and Sudo had almost stopped associating with him. Only Ike would occasionally chat with Yamauchi, but he spent most of his time with Ayanokouji and Sudo.
Ike's gaze shifted to the person beside Shimizu—Horikita Suzune, who had remained silent. He waved his hand. "Horikita-san! Good morning!"
"..." Horikita was startled but didn't respond directly, merely nodding coldly. Ike didn't mind the indifference at all. Since the events in June, his view of her had changed.
When Sudo was in trouble, Horikita had participated in the deliberation—she didn't just save Sudo; she used the opportunity to strike back at Class C, docking them 100 Class Points in one go.
After that, many students, including Ike, had slowly figured out her personality: she wasn't being cold or arrogant on purpose; she was just naturally bad at socializing.
Suddenly, the phone in Shimizu's pocket vibrated. He stopped talking, said "Excuse me" to the group, and walked to a relatively quiet corner on the other side of the deck. He unlocked the screen, and the sender's name made him raise an eyebrow—it was Sakayanagi Arisu.
Sakayanagi Arisu: Judging by the time, you should be on the deck by now, right?
Shimizu typed back.
Shimizu Akira: So, should I call you "Miao Miao Cat," or Sakayanagi Arisu-san?
A reply popped up within seconds.
Sakayanagi Arisu: Hehe, you can call me whatever you like, "Yue-kun."
Shimizu shook his head helplessly. This girl didn't miss a chance to retaliate by exposing his second identity. He continued typing to ask the question he'd been holding onto:
Shimizu Akira: Speaking of which, I haven't asked you—how did you guess that " Yue " was me?
Sakayanagi Arisu: I know you quite well. You aren't the type of boy who would participate in a boring "deduction" game for a mere 30,000 personal points.
Immediately, another message jumped out.
Sakayanagi Arisu: However, before I proactively gave you the answer, how did you guess that " Miao Miao Cat " was me?
Shimizu hadn't expected that Sakayanagi had not only seen through him but also realized he had recognized her alt account. He composed himself.
Shimizu Akira: I know you well enough too. This speaking style is unique to you in the entire first year. Besides, isn't the nickname " Miao Miao Cat" itself a very obvious hint? Miss Alice.
Sakayanagi Arisu: It seems we are evenly matched.
Sakayanagi Arisu: It's a pity, though. While I was looking forward to a formal confrontation with you, my physical condition prevents me from going to the deserted island.
Shimizu Akira: Then next time.
Sakayanagi Arisu: Well, I won't disturb you further. By the way, I've already prepared a "special surprise" for you.
Seeing this, Shimizu was taken aback. What did Sakayanagi mean by that?
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By the time Shimizu returned to his previous spot, Ayanokouji and the others were gone. Instead, Horikita Suzune was there to give him a warning.
"Stop looking around. The school's announcement earlier was very suspicious. It's best to observe the island ahead carefully—I suspect this is a sign of a special exam, and it's likely drawing closer."
He looked up. The silhouette of the island was indeed becoming clearer; the ship was steadily approaching.
'Even Horikita guessed it's related to a special exam?'
He didn't find it strange. She was a smart person; it was well within the realm of possibility for her to figure it out.
Sure enough, a few minutes later, the island fully appeared in view. The cruise ship, as the intelligence had predicted, began to slowly adjust its course to circle the island.
Seeing Horikita staring so intensely at the island, trying to memorize everything with her brain alone, Shimizu said with a hint of exasperation: "Wait, Horikita, why are you insisting on rote memorization?" He shook his phone.
"Isn't it easier to record a video or take photos than to keep it in your head?"
He immediately opened the recording function and pointed the lens at the island, letting the device document the landscape.
"?!" Horikita froze, looking confused.
"Logically, the school shouldn't allow students to carry items like phones, right?" To her, since they were going to a deserted island, the school would surely restrict smart tools to maintain the fairness of the exam.
"Restrictions are restrictions, but at least the video and photos are saved for later viewing," Shimizu explained.
"After the boat circles the island, the school will likely give us a bit of time to change clothes and pack before disembarking. I'll send you the photos and videos. Just study the map before they collect the phones; it'll save you more brainpower than trying to force it into your memory in these few minutes."
Horikita blinked, looking as if she had suddenly been enlightened. That made sense. But as soon as the thought occurred, she regained her composure and looked at Shimizu, asking calmly: "So, what is the price?"
"It's simple." Shimizu waved her off.
"It's enough if you do one small favor for me during this exam."
Horikita looked like she hadn't quite processed that.
'Huh? Just a small favor? Why did this person suddenly stop wanting to hold hands?!'
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A few minutes later, just as Shimizu expected, once the ship had completed its full circle, the intercom crackled to life again.
"We are about to disembark on a private island owned by this school. Students, please change into your tracksuits in thirty minutes. After confirming your prescribed bags and luggage, bring your phones and gather on the deck. All other personal belongings must be left in your rooms. Since restrooms are still accessible for now, please take care of your needs first."
Following the broadcast, Shimizu sent the photos and videos to Horikita and headed back to his cabin. Pushing the door open, he moved efficiently, swapping his daily clothes for a tracksuit suitable for activity. As for his luggage, he organized it strictly by the rules—no extra clutter, just a few spare tracksuits and changes of undergarments neatly folded.
After packing, Shimizu's gaze landed on a slightly crumpled book on the corner of the desk. The title, "Desert Island Survival for Beginners," was prominent, its margins filled with his dense handwritten notes. He picked it up and flipped through a few pages, a slight smile forming on his lips as he shrugged.
Two months ago, since more than one person had told him the school might organize a deserted island exam, he naturally hadn't come unprepared. During this time, he had pored over almost every wilderness survival book in the library—from identifying edible wild fruits and three practical techniques for friction fire, to determining direction via stars and vegetation, making simple bows from hemp rope and logs, and selecting a dry, wind-sheltered campsite far from danger. Every piece of potentially useful knowledge was etched into his mind.
"Was I a bit too cautious?" he mused. While the school was running a survival activity, they wouldn't likely send students onto the island completely empty-handed. It wasn't a survival crafting game where you start by punching trees. The school would probably provide basic equipment, making his extensive preparation seem a bit redundant.
But on second thought, he pushed that doubt aside.
School-provided gear likely came with a "price." Extra preparation never hurt, especially since this was no ordinary exam—it was the first true four-class confrontation. In other words, a prime opportunity to earn a massive amount of personal points.
He calculated that he was only about five million points away from his goal of twenty million. In a sense, his first major milestone in this school was within reach.
No longer obsessing over being "overly cautious," Shimizu zipped his luggage and weighed his backpack. The feel of the straps was just right—enough supplies for emergencies, but not so heavy it would hinder movement.
With everything ready, he checked the wall clock. There were twenty minutes left before the gathering. That was plenty of time to head to the deck early. He pulled out his phone one last time, flipping through the island photos and memorizing several landmark features. In the photos, the man-made paths were clearly visible, winding into the interior. Judging by the look of them, those were likely the routes to the "Bases"—he committed these details to memory.
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When Shimizu returned to the deck, teachers with megaphones were already issuing orders. He handed over his phone as required and followed the crowd down the cruise ship's gangway. Naturally, students had to undergo luggage inspections by the teachers. Shimizu's bag contained only clothes, so he passed without issue and stepped onto the shore.
His own teacher, Chabashira Sae, also dressed in a tracksuit, stood before her class calling roll. Shortly after roll call, a male voice cut in—it was Mashima Tomonari of Class 1-A.
Shimizu's curiosity was piqued as he looked over. Mashima was exceptionally burly, with broad shoulders and a tight, lean waist—clearly the result of years in the gym. Compared to an English teacher, he looked more like a dedicated P.E. coach.
In his four months at the school, Shimizu had gathered various intel on the teachers: Hoshinomiya Chie had a messy private life, Chabashira Sae's personality spoke for itself, and Sakagami Kazuma tacitly approved of Ryuen's use of violence to rule his class... In comparison, Mashima Tomonari seemed like the only teacher across the four classes who appeared genuinely reliable.
Mashima stepped forward, scanned the students, and said in a heavy voice: "First, I must inform you that, regrettably, one student is unable to participate due to illness."
Shimizu realized he must be referring to Sakayanagi Arisu of Class A.
"Now then—we shall begin the first special exam of this year."
Confused whispers immediately broke out among the classes, but Mashima didn't pause. Acting as if he didn't hear the natural questions, he continued reading the rules:
"This exam will officially begin at noon today and conclude at noon on August 7th, lasting for a total of seven days. During these seven days, all students will live a group life on this deserted island. You are not to return to the cruise ship without a valid reason. All living materials and tools required for life on the island must be prepared by yourselves."
"Of course, the school is not trying to make things difficult for you. We will issue 300 Special Exam Points to each class, along with a guidebook. The guidebook contains a list of items; you may exchange these points for the items you need."
Before the students could breathe a sigh of relief or mutter that this was just like a regular summer camp, Mashima tilted his chin up and added flatly: "One more point to emphasize—at the end of this special exam, all remaining Special Exam Points will be added in full to your total Class Points. The final result of these points will directly affect each class's ranking and resource distribution at the end of summer vacation."
"What?!"
"Is that true?!"
"It's linked to Class Points?!"
Exclamations exploded among the students. Many raised their voices, their faces filled with disbelief.
Shimizu's eyes widened slightly too. The school was being surprisingly generous this time, allocating 300 points per class. On its own, that number was more "luxurious" than expected. But he quickly calmed down. Over seven days of island life, each class would have to buy water, food, tents, and other essentials. After the math, the remaining points would likely be around 100 or 200 at most.
Even so, a "surplus" that could be directly added to Class Points was a significant amount—enough to make anyone's heart race.
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